Cub Cadet 1212 - Troubleshooting Common Issues; Common Problems and Solutions

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SECTION 12: TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Trouble
Possible
Cause(s)
Corrective Action
Engine will
not crank
Safety switch
button not
depressed.
Battery installed
incorrectly.
Battery is dead
or weak.
Blown fuse
There are two safety switches in the starting circuit of your unit: the brake pedal switch
and the seat switch. Make certain the actuator is fully depressing the button on the
brake switch. The operator must be seated on the tractor in order to depress the seat
switch. The PTO knob must be in the disengaged (OFF) positio in order to start the
engine, also.
The battery must be installed with negative terminal attached to black ground wire.
Negative terminal is identified at the post by “NEG”, “N” or “-”. The positive terminal,
identified by “POS”, “P” or “+”, must be attached to the thick red wire which goes to the
solenoid.
Charge at six amps with a 12-volt automotive-type battery charger for one hour or until
fully charged.
Refer to operator’s manual for fuse location. Replace fuse with automotive type fuse of
the proper amperage. Fuses seldom fail without a reason. The problem must be
corrected. Check for loose connections in the fuse holder. Replace fuse holder if nec-
essary. A dead short may be in the cranking or charging circuit where the insulation
may have rubbed through and exposed the bare wire. Replace the wire or repair with
electrician's tape if the wire strands have not been damaged.
Note: Look for a wire pinched between body panels, burned by the exhaust pipe or
muffler or rubbed against a moving part.
Engine
cranks but
will not start
Throttle or choke
not in starting
position.
No fuel to the
carburetor.
No spark to
spark plug(s).
Dirty aircleaner.
Refer to the OPERATION section of this manual for the correct position of the throttle
control and choke for starting.
Gasoline tank empty. Fill.
Fuel line or in-line fuel filter plugged. Remove and clean fuel line. Replace fuel filter
(if so equipped) if necessary.
Spark plug lead disconnected. Connect lead. Using a spark tester, check for spark. If
no spark is present, have engine’s magneto serviced by an authorized engine dealer.
If the air cleaner is dirty, the engine may not start. Refer to the engine manual packed
with your unit.
Engine
smokes
Engine oil has
been overfilled.
Engine loses
crankcase
vacuum.
Check oil level.
Dipstick not seated or broken. Replace defective part.
Engine breather defective. Replace.
Excessive
vibration
Bent blade or
damaged pulley.
Stop engine immediately. Check all pulleys, blade adapters, keys and bolts for
tightness and spindle damage. Tighten or replace any loose or damaged parts.
Always replace damaged blade. Only use original equipment blades.
Mower
won’t
discharge
grass or
leaves
uncut strips
Engine speed
low.
Speed selection.
Cutting height
set too low.
Blades dull.
Throttle must be set at full throttle.
Use lower ground speed. The slower your ground speed, the better the quality of cut.
Raise deck.
Sharpen or replace blades (uncut strip problem only).